| ATV
Honda ATV
Still ideal for slug pellet application
The wet weather, which has hampered harvest for many,
has also encouraged high slug populations which means
they are likely to be an issue for young crops again this
autumn, and will need careful monitoring.
here slug pellet
application is
needed, one of
Honda’s market-
leading range of
ATVs is ideal for
mounting a slug pellet applicator,
with flotation tyres operating at
less ground pressure than a
human footprint, ideal for the wet
ground conditions in which slugs
thrive.
ATV mounting brackets are
available for most applicators,
making it easy to swap them
between implements such as rolls
or drills and the ATV as needed.
Honda’s Foreman 500 series
ATVs are ideal for the task, with
rear load rack capacity up to 85kg
depending on model. Electric
power for spreaders is available
without the need to carry an
additional battery. Foreman
models are designed for
demanding farm tasks with a
proven 475cc, liquid-cooled petrol
engine driving through manual or
automatic transmissions. Plenty of
power allows target working speed
to be quickly achieved after each
headland turn and the low-revving
engines have the grunt needed to
maintain constant speed in varying
ground conditions, essential for
accurate application.
New this year is Honda’s
Pioneer 700 UTV, available in 2
W
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
and 4-seat versions and capable
of carrying up to 386kg on the rear
load-bed. This is suitable for larger
applicators and transporting
pellets to the field. Power is from a
680cc petrol engine linked to a
highly efficient 3-speed torque
converter transmission. Tyres and
wheels are the same size as those
of the Foreman 500 ATVs and, with
almost 27cms ground clearance
and selectable differential locks,
the Pioneer travels over sensitive
land areas including freshly drilled
crops without causing ruts.
In recent years new regulations
affecting slug pellet application
have come into force under the
Sustainable Use Directive.
Familiarity with current guidelines
is essential, including the need for
users to hold a Certificate of
Competence, regardless of age or
previous experience. Spreaders
must be routinely tested for
accuracy, and stewardship
guidelines prohibit the application
of metaldehyde pellets within 10m
of field boundaries.
Modern pelleters are designed
to spread accurately between 24
and 30m and most offer easy
adjustment of application rates
plus features such as spread bias
adjustment and part-width
headland shut-off. Some
manufacturers offer capacities up
to 130 litres, suitable for the
Pioneer, while smaller 65-litre
versions are more popular for
conventional ATVs, including the
Foreman.
All new Hondas come with a
two-year manufacturer’s warranty
and ATV operator training through
the industry-approved